A randomized controlled trial on triamcinolone versus saline impregnated merocel post endoscopic sinus surgery: Our experience in a tertiary care centre

Purpose To assess the potential benefit of impregnating Merocel (a non‐absorbable nasal dressing) with a topical steroid solution, for use as a direct and slow local delivery system of steroids after sinus surgery to improve postoperative wound healing. Methods In this randomized controlled trial, 40 patients with bilateral chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis were subjected to functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Following the completion of the surgery, Merocel packs were inserted in the bilateral nasal cavities and infiltrated with 4 mL triamcinolone (40 mg/mL) in one nasal cavity (treatment group) and 4 mL normal saline in the other (control group). Nasal packs were removed on the third postoperative day and postoperative healing assessment was done on postoperative Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 12. The findings were noted as per Lund Kennedy (LKES) and perioperative sinus endoscopy (POSE) scores and compared on both sides. Results Significant (P